Nanowire ring preparation methods, compositions, and articles

Abstract

Methods and compositions are disclosed for preparation of both open and closed nanowire metal rings. Such rings may be used in conductive layers of electronic devices.

What is claimed: 
     
       1. A method comprising:
 providing a first composition that does not comprise polyvinylpyrrolidone, the first composition comprising at least one bromide ion; 
 introducing into the first composition at least one first reducible metal ion and at least one first protecting agent; and 
 reducing the at least one first reducible metal ion to at least one first metal nanowire ring. 
 
     
     
       2. The method according to  claim 1 , wherein the reduction is performed in the presence of at least one second metal ion comprising at least one element from IUPAC Group 14. 
     
     
       3. The method according to  claim 2 , wherein the at least one second metal ion comprises at least one ion in its +2 oxidation state. 
     
     
       4. The method according to  claim 3 , wherein at least one second metal ion comprises at least one Sn 2+  ion. 
     
     
       5. The method according to  claim 1 , wherein the at least one first reducible metal ion comprises at least one ion of an IUPAC Group 11 element. 
     
     
       6. The method according to  claim 5 , wherein the at least one first reducible metal ion comprises at least one silver ion. 
     
     
       7. A method comprising:
 providing at least one compound capable of forming at least one bromide ion, the compound comprising at least one first atom, at least one bromine atom bonded to the at least one first atom, and at least one carbon atom bonded to the at least one first atom; and 
 reducing at least one reducible metal ion to at least one metal nanowire ring in the presence of at least one of the at least one compound or the at least one bromide ion, 
 wherein the absolute value of the difference in electronegativities of the at least one first atom and the at least one bromine atom is greater than about 0.4 Pauling units and less than about 2.0 Pauling units. 
 
     
     
       8. The method according to  claim 7 , wherein the at least one first atom comprises at least one of a boron atom, a nitrogen atom, a phosphorus atom, a silicon atom, a sulfur atom, a selenium atom, or a carbon atom. 
     
     
       9. The method according to  claim 7 , wherein the at least one first atom comprises at least one carbon atom. 
     
     
       10. The method according to  claim 7 , wherein the at least one compound comprises triphenylmethylbromide. 
     
     
       11. The method according to  claim 7 , wherein the at least one reducible metal ion comprises at least one ion of an IUPAC Group 11 element. 
     
     
       12. The method according to  claim 11 , wherein the at least one first reducible metal ion comprises at least one silver ion.